Round-the-Clock Purple and Gold

Teammates saw Pau Gasol keeping positive attitude

December 10, 2011 | 2:46
pm

Even if he remains internally frustrated and uncertain about his playing future, Lakers forward Pau Gasol didn't display those emotions on the court.

In the allotted practice time open to the media Saturday, Gasol appeared engaged with post-man drills and played in a full-court scrimmage with the same flair he's shown in the past 3 1/2 seasons with the Lakers. Just like the general public, Gasol has been following the reports that say the Lakers keep trying to get New Orleans guard Chris Paul in a deal that would involve Gasol.

But even if it risks hurting the strained right quadriceps, which he said was less bothersome, Gasol's practice participation sent a strong message.

"This is what I love to do," Gasol said at the Lakers' practice facility in El Segundo. "I've been through so much here, winning two championships in 3 1/2 seasons. I was looking forward to another opportunity to win another one."

Teammates, ranging from Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum, said they didn't speak to Gasol about the NBA nixing a three-team trade that would've sent Paul to the Lakers, Gasol to the Houston Rockets and Lamar Odom to the New Orleans Hornets. But they noticed that Gasol maintained a professional attitude.

"I thought his mood was good," Lakers Coach Mike Brown said. "But obviously, what he went through and what Lamar went through is a tough thing to deal with. You respect that and give those guys space and let them be. Pau was good."